In November 2001, W3C responded to a clear demand from the Web community and the W3C Membership to write down a description of the architecture of the Web. Aspects of the architecture have been described and debated many times in the past, but the overall principles which make the Web as we know it work, and work well, have not previously been described in a single, coherent document by a group of acknowledged experts, and reviewed in such a focused manner by the community.

"All TAG participants, past and present, have had a hand in many parts of the design of the Web," explains Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director, and co-Chair of the TAG. "In the Architecture document, they emphasize what characteristics of the Web must be preserved when inventing new technology. They notice where the current systems don't work well, and as a result show weakness. This document is a pithy summary of the wisdom of the community."

Wide Community Review Ensures Real World Relevance

The TAG conducted its work on an active, public mailing list, which helped ensure that its description of the Web reflected the real world concerns of developers. In some cases, principles were found to be widely applicable. In others, principles had a more restricted domain or represented tradeoffs between conflicting requirements. The TAG documented the points to be considered, to allow technology developers to make well-informed choices. "The discussion process produced a wider appreciation of the design principles on which the Web is based," notes Chris Lilley, TAG participant, "and the Architecture document crystallizes that shared understanding for easy reference."

Essential Web design principles should not be merely understanding among small groups of expert developers. By collecting and debating issues in an open forum, the TAG has documented and clarified those principles which have stood the test of time and are widely implemented. As the Web continues to grow on an unprecedented scale, new generations of developers need to have a concise reference to the important design concepts. Newer additions can then take advantage of a secure and scalable foundation. It is gratifying to note that some university courses in Distributed Systems have already taken up the TAG's work as a course text, and it is already influencing product design.

Volume One of the Web Architecture significantly advances the state of the art, documenting long-established principles which are well understood and proven in use. In addition, the TAG is tracking principles that are currently being tested in rapidly evolving areas. Future TAG publications will build on Volume One with lessons learned from integrating Web services, the Semantic Web, and mobile Web. A single shared Web space is of global benefit. This goal can only be achieved if all the parts work together harmoniously.

An election for the four open TAG seats begins tomorrow. The W3C Advisory Committee will cast their votes in the upcoming month for these positions. Berners-Lee has already nominated Vincent Quint of INRIA to fill the vacant appointed seat.

Testimonials for W3C's Architecture of the World Wide Web, Volume One

These testimonials are in support of W3C issuance of "Architecture of the World Wide Web, Volume One" as a W3C Recommendation. [From:] HP, IBM, INRIA, MobileAware, Sun Microsystems, Top4Office, and Volantis.

HP is delighted to see the publication of "The Architecture of the
World-Wide Web, Volume One" as a W3C Recommendation. We believe that
this publication represents a significant step forward in capturing,
documenting and building consensus around the principles and good
practices that have made the Web what it is today and acts as a
spring-board for both Web Services and the Semantic Web. HP is pleased
to have been able to contribute through its support of Stuart Williams'
active participation as an elected member and Co-chair of W3C's
Technical Architecture Group.
— Jim Bell, Director of Industry Standards, HP

The publication of "Architecture of the World Wide Web" is an
important step forward for the industry. This architecture document sets
out the principles that will facilitate continued success of the Web as
the premier platform for information-sharing and distributed
applications. Consistent with IBM's ongoing commitment to open standards
for the Web, we are pleased to contribute to the work of the Technical
Architecture Group. We congratulate the W3C on their ongoing stewardship
of the fundamental Web standards, and particularly on this important
publication.
— Karla Norsworthy, Vice President, Software Standards, IBM

INRIA welcomes the publication of "Architecture of the World Wide
Web" as a W3C Recommendation. This important document constitutes the
cornerstone of Web technology. By providing a clear statement of the
underlying principles of Web architecture, we believe it will promote
research and help build the Web of the future on a solid foundation.
— Gérard Giraudon, Director for Development and Industrial Relations, INRIA

MobileAware welcomes this milestone publication, which outlines how
the Web should work and will work into the future. As the Web extends
its reach into the mobile space, this publication will be a key guide,
and MobileAware will be following the good practice and sensible
approach outlined therein. As a developer of solutions for the evolving
mobile Web, we are particularly pleased to see the W3C maintain its
leading role, and we will continue to support this activity through our
work in the Device Independence Working Group. MobileAware congratulates
the W3C Technical Architecture Group for a job well done.
— Dr Rotan Hanrahan, Chief Innovations Architect, MobileAware Ltd.

Sun Microsystems welcomes the approval of Architecture of the World
Wide Web as a W3C Recommendation. This document articulates what makes
the Web work today and provides a strong foundation for moving forward
as Web computing continues to evolve. We believe that core architectural
specifications are important in realizing Sun's vision of open,
interoperable standards and are plaeased to have been able to contribute
to this important work.
— Ed Julson, Engineering Director of Web Technologies, Sun Microsystems

Top4Office are pleased to see "Architecture of the World Wide Web"
become a W3C Recommendation. We feel that this represents an important
step forward in the progress of the World Wide Web and look forward to
seeing the benefits in the future work of the W3C and all others who
make use of this valuable document. We encourage all who are involved in
the development of technology and solutions for the Web to take notice
of this important development and to implement the sound principles it
contains in their future work.
— Nigel Peck, Webmaster, Top4Office

Volantis welcomes the excellent publication "Architecture of the World
Wide Web" as a W3C Recommendation. It brings clarity to the description
of the operation of the web as well as defining good practice. This is
important for Volantis as we enhance and extend our leading
device-independent mobile and multi-channel technology. It is also a key
resource for the work of the Device Independence Working Group (DIWG),
helping crystalise our thinking about delivering the Web to anyone using
any device.
— Dr. Rhys Lewis, Director of Software Architecture, Volantis Systems Ltd. & Chair, W3C DIWG